Operatives of the special Security outfit, Operation Puff Adder, have secured the release of Madam Benita Benson, mother of the Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government (SSG), Kombowei Benson, after 32 days in captivity.
The 80-year-old woman was in a jubilant mood when she was handed over to her son at about 5.30 pm in the presence of relatives and security operatives.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that her release was secured after pressure from the operatives of Operation Puff Adder of the State Command of the Nigerian Police led by Christian Nwaogbo. Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the abduction.
It was also gathered that a sum of N4million was paid to the kidnappers and two android phones, a payment described by the Bayelsa SSG, Kombowei Benson, as a token gift to the kidnappers and not a ransom payment.
Madam Benita Benson, while praying for the commander of Operation Puff Adder, expressed her gratitude to God and the men of the police force for securing her release from the kidnappers. She said though her abductors treated her well, she was happy to be back home in one piece.
The Bayelsa SSG told newsmen that despite the fact that five members of his family have been victims of kidnapping in the state, he vowed never to pay ransom and trusted in the security agencies and God to secure the release of his mother.
“Mama is back to the house and I want to give thanks to God and the security team in the state. I am so happy that my mother is back. Even if I tell people that ransom was not paid, they will not believe me. When they demanded for N500million, I stood my ground. Even when I say I will not pay, I gave them a token to allow mama came back home.”
Reacting to the development, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Echeng Eworo Echeng, told newsmen that the pressure from the police led to her release.
“Our message to those involved in such heinous act is that it is a crime and no matter how involved you are, you will be arrested.”
It could be recalled that Madam Benita Benson was on July 20 kidnapped by unknown gunmen at Old Apo Legislative Quarters in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
(Text, excluding headline courtesy, Nigerian Tribune)
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